Abstract
This paper explores the extent to which child labor perpetuates the cycle of household poverty, as well as food insecurity using the sixth round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey. The study employs a counterfactual framework and an endogenous treatment effect econometric technique to accurately examine the causal link between child labor and long-term household poverty and food security. Results suggest a positive relationship between early paid work and long-term poverty and food insecurity. This finding provides empirical evidence to indicate that child labor has the potential to create and perpetuate poverty traps. From a policy perspective, findings from this study also contribute to the modern policy debates surrounding the achievement of the sustainable development goals on reducing poverty and hunger in developing countries.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 561-587 |
Number of pages | 27 |
Journal | Journal of Demographic Economics |
Volume | 87 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2021 |
Keywords
- Child labor
- Endogenous treatment
- Food insecurity
- Poverty trap